Hyundai has issued a recall for the 2024 Santa Fe due to a wiring issue that might cause airbags to deploy randomly. This same problem could also lead to the airbags failing to deploy during an accident. A total of 49,719 vehicles are affected by this recall, including 40,144 standard combustion SUVs and 9,575 hybrid models. The issue arises from a wiring harness that could get damaged. Over time, the main wiring harness along the floor can rub against the passenger side of the second-row seat, leading to potential damage and unintended airbag activation. This poses a significant safety risk, as airbags could deploy without warning. Conversely, a damaged wiring harness could also disable the airbags, which is equally problematic.
According to recall documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there has been at least one instance of a rear seat side airbag deploying unexpectedly. An investigation uncovered eight incidents of airbag irregularities since February 5, 2024, though it's unclear if all were unexpected deployments. A failing wiring harness might also trigger the airbag warning light on the dashboard, signaling a problem. Hyundai has not reported any injuries or crashes related to this issue.
The solution is relatively simple. Hyundai dealer technicians will inspect and secure the wiring harness to prevent it from contacting the seat. If any damage is found, the harness will be replaced with a shorter one that is properly secured away from the seat. Dealer notifications for the recall are already in progress, with specific owner notifications set to begin on September 23.
In other news, the 2024 Santa Fe is completely redesigned. Its clean, upright design marks a significant shift from previous models, and it offers two powertrain options. The standard Santa Fe comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor, delivering a combined output of 231 hp and 271 lb-ft.
